Step 4: Advertising for Contractors
Once your RFP package is developed, you want to formally advertise your need for contractors in a media outlet with the potential to generate the highest number of responses. You may want to situate a newspaper ad in the professional section of the classifieds. You may also consider posting the bid package on your website or conducting Internet searches for qualified contractors. Auditors want to see that you made an aggressive attempt to find competent contractors. Other places to send your bid package include:
- universities or colleges marked to the attention of the relevant college’s associate dean
- large organizations that may use contractors such as a major school district
- your state Department of Education’s grants and procurement divisions
- your state office of procurement
Your final goal is to solicit at least two (and preferably three or more) bids to avoid sole sourcing the contract and to at least have written documentation that you made a strong effort to find more than one contractor. Click on the link below for sample RFP advertisements.